Just got the chance to see Dulaang UP's latest offering, Rizal X.  One of the most talked about production this year is indeed another addition to the theater company's most memorable productions to date after the smash hit Orosman at Zafira.  I already saw it twice and I'm still craving for more.   Here is an official press release from Dulaang UP:

Dulaang UP, on its 36th Season, presents its opening production, RIZAL X. This original production will feature the collaboration of young and promising theater actors, the live music of Happy Days Ahead and the works of both established and budding poets, playwrights, choreographers, animators, filmmakers and artists. Among the works included are those by Dong Abay, Gerson Abesamis, Manix Abrera, Chips Beltran, Layeta Bucoy, Winter David, Deo Dela Cruz, Jeffrey Garcia, Al Garcia, JM De Guzman, Vlad Gonzales, Adi Lopez, Joaquin Pedro Valdes, Floy Quintos and Rene Villanueva to name a few.

Conceptualized, choreographed and directed by Dexter M. Santos (Orosman at Zafira) and with original music by William Manzano, Dulaang UP's RIZAL X is a new work that aims to (re)discover and (re)introduce the relevance of our hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. Using mixed popular media of today’s generation, this production aims to compile different points of view towards Rizal, his works and his life, in a collaboration of text, dance, music, animation and film culminating into a performance, which will refresh dreams and aspirations. A reminder for all of us of our childhood restlessness in dreaming and taking risks, an ax to our frozen desires and fantasies that has turned cold because of fears and hesitations caused by time and age. All of these threaded by Rizal’s colorful historicity and poetry of courage and burning passion in writing, in fighting for education, in the arts and in love that remains a relevant memoir for every generation of Filipinos all over the world.

The cast includes Maita Ponce (Orosman at Zafira), Jean Judith Javier (Orosman at Zafira), Reuben Uy (Shakespeare Breakups and Breakdowns), Red Concepcion (Equus), Reb Atadero (Altar Boyz), Yanah Laurel (Spring Awakening), Bea Garcia (Next to Normal), Natasha Cabrera (Amphitryon), Jules Dela Paz (Isang Panaginip na Fili), Alchris Galura (Endo) and the Dulaang UP Ensemble.

Comprising the artistic team are William Elvin Manzano for Music and Lyrics; Happy Days Ahead for Musical Arrangement; Katte Sabate and Chic San Agustin as Head Writers and Dramaturges; Leeroy New for Set Design; Voltaire De Jesus for Lights Design; Mitoy Sta. Ana for Costume Design; Ohm David as Technical Director; Janine Santos and Nicole Roxanne Aldiosa as Musical Director; Jojit Lorenzo for Photography; Tuxqs Rutaquio for Poster Design.

Official review to follow (promise I'll publish it this week -- crossing fingers) but for now I'm giving my full blessing and definitely recommending this show to everyone.  Best show of the year (yet) since Next to Normal.



RIZAL X will run from July 20 to August 14, 2011 at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, 2nd floor Palma Hall, UP Diliman, Quezon City. For tickets and schedule inquiries, please contact Cherry at 09177500107, or the Dulaang UP Office at 926-1349, 981-8500 local 2449 or 433-7840.